When they were all free the pack gathered in close about them, and then Josephine came and stood at Philip's side, and put her hands to his shoulders.

Thus she stood for a few moments, half facing the dogs, calling their names again; and they crowded up still closer about them, until Philip fancied he could feel their warm breath.
"They have all seen me with you now," she cried after that.

"They have seen me touch you.

Not one of them will snap at you after this." The dogs swept on ahead of them in a great wave as they left the spruce shelter.

Out in the clear light Philip drew a deep breath.